'Frog Lady' shows off reptiles, amphibians

Deb Krohn was wrapped in snakes as they slithered around her neck and head during the presentation of “Live Animals — Reptiles & Amphibians!” at Fremont Public Library.

More than 120 children, parents and caregivers listened Monday as Krohn, also known as the Frog Lady, discussed the differences and similarities between reptiles and amphibians as she exhibited 20 live animals.

“I teach people about how fascinating and cool reptiles and amphibians are. The main point of this program is really to show people that these animals are not scary,” said Krohn of Gurnee. “My main goal is to get the fear erased. They see that these animals are just crawling on me and just sitting on me.”

Children laughed as a giant African bullfrog whipped out its tongue to eat several worms, and they later cheered as several bearded dragons sat on each other while wearing cowboy hats.

“I liked the snakes. She was pretty funny, also,” said Erik Costello, 14, of Wauconda. “I might think of getting one in the future.”

As the presentation concluded, children anxiously gathered to touch bearded dragons, a sulcata tortoise and a boa constrictor, fears alleviated.